A time of transition- PA

[Guest guest]

,

A son going off to college and you just 8 months from surgery. I know

he has been one of your " rocks " this past year. You must feel very

glad to see him off....but feel a few bittersweet pangs. He is the

first to leave the " nest " isn't he?

I know you have a lot on your plate now, and also starting back to

school as well. Please go easy on yourself. You should wallow in self

pity if you want to. Look at what is going on in your life.

I am not surprised that it can be the little things like having

difficulty reaching for something that can set you off into a funk. I

might recommend that after you steam and fume,kick the danged

stationary bicycle, you march up to the managers office and firmly ask

that they recognize that not all of their patrons can get things off

the floor, and ask that you be a part of re-thinking the access and

changes that might be in order. You are not the only one in your

community who has spinal dilemas. Many recovering athletes and seniors

find gyms difficult because they are often set up for the needs of

healthy, agile 20 year olds....not the whole community. Doing

something to change the " culture " of your gym so that it better

accomodates the infirm, the disabled and the recovering athlete will

make you feel bettter and make your community a beter place. I also

know that you have the charater and presence to make your voice heard!

I am fighting a similar challenge at the pool. The lap swim times are

sometimes restricted and they have a notice that during times of heavy

use the abiltiy to do stationary water work outs may have to be

terminated. It pisses me off. Why in the world should the needs of one

group (those that can swim laps) supercede the needs of those who need

to do stationary workouts (generally those with physical challenges)?

I can see that it is going to require a change in mind set....but I

think the outcome will be better for the whole " pool community " .

Hang in there, Cam

p.s. ...kudos on getting all that stuff up 10 flights of

stairs...who needs an elliptical trainer?!!!